South African U17 and U20 Women’s National team star Gositang Motshegwe is settling in nicely in Tempe in the USA where she is pursuing a Business Studies degree at the Arizona State University, also known as ASU.
The Olivedale, Johannesburg-born player moved to the land of the Stars and Stripes early last month from Wits University where she was playing in the Sasol League of the Women’s team.
The 19-year old is accompanied by compatriot Adrielle Mibe who was signed from the University of Johannesburg (UJ Ladies) where she was one of the key figures in their Hollywoodbets Super League side.
Since her arrival in the USA, Motshegwe, has featured in all eight of her team’s league games, albeit as a sub in seven of them, and named in the starting in one match for the ASU Sun Devils, as the soccer club of the University is called.
The midfielder is one 17 international student-athletes in the women’s soccer team, all coming from seven different countries – Canada, South Africa, Japan, England, Norway, Germany and the Netherlands. ASU’s entire soccer roster consists of 26 players.
Being among new people has not bothered her as she has good company alongside Mibe.
“I am grateful to have a familiar face with me, as it alleviates feelings of homesickness and makes the journey less lonely and more exciting,” said an elated Motshegwe from her base in Tempe.
Her star has been on the rise for a quite a long time – and she has come a long way, playing in the much-acclaimed tournaments like the Engen Cup, the Pirates Cup, and worked her way up through the regional league, Sasol League into the Hollywoodbets Super League.
Motshegwe was called up into the South African U20 Women’s National Team for FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Burundi, a match they lost in the second leg on the away goals rule. Some of the teammates during that training camp include Nthabiseng Majiya, Cimone Sauls (now with Sundowns Ladies), Mmabatho Mogale (now at UWC), Casey Gordon (JVW) as well as current teammate Adrielle Mibe.
At the time of the U20 call up, Motshegwe was playing in the Hollywoodbets Super League for the now-defunct Coal City Wizards.
Also known as Gigi to those close to her, she has also appeared in the elite South African women’s football league in the colours of UJ.
The former U17 Women’s National team captain is hoping her time in the USA will help her to follow her dreams of pursuing professional football once she has completed her studies.
They are yet to lose in the eight games played so far, with their latest victory coming on Friday, 12 September.
Their next assignment is against BYU on Thursday, 18 September.
Motshegwe’s matches in the USA:
| DATE | OPPOSITION | LINE-UP | RESULT |
| 14 Aug | Nevada | Sub | Won 2-0 |
| 21 Aug | Texas | Sub | Draw 1-1 |
| 24 Aug | Texas State | Sub | Won 5-1 |
| 28 Aug | UNLV | Start | Won 3-0 |
| 31 Aug | New Mexico State | Sub | Won 1-0 |
| 04 Sep | Pepperdine | Sub | Won 1-0 |
| 07 Sep | Denver | Sub | Won 3-1 |
| 12 Sep | UTEP | Sub | Won 4-1 |
Motshegwe, who wears jersey number 14 for her USA team, says one of her dreams is to someday play for Banyana Banyana. She spoke to CentreCircle.online and had this to say:
Who is Gositang? Where does she come from and when did she start playing football?
I was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa, and I have spent my entire life living and playing soccer in South Africa until I was fortunate enough to receive an offer to play overseas. I am a female football athlete currently competing for the Arizona State University (ASU) women’s soccer team in Tempe, in the USA. My journey in football began during primary school, when I was in Grade 1. I attended Boskop Primary School, where I spent my after-school hours playing football with the boys in the aftercare program located within the school. I later progressed to playing with the boys’ school soccer team, under the guidance of my mentor, Mr. Magagane. He played a significant role in my early development both as a footballer and as an individual outside of the sport. Mr. Magagane also introduced me to the University of Johannesburg (UJ) Football Club by encouraging me to attend trials. Through his support and with God’s grace, I was able to be part of the UJ Football Club development program from U13s through to the women’s first team.
National team experience?
My national team experience for South Africa commenced in 2022 when I received my first call-up to the U17 Women’s National team in preparation for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers against Ethiopia. Unfortunately, I did not participate in the home and away matches against Ethiopia. However, I was subsequently called up for the COSAFA Region 5 Youth Games, which were hosted in Malawi in November 2022. This tournament was a historic moment for both the team and myself, as we won the COSAFA Championship, defeating reigning champions Zambia. This experience was particularly memorable for me, as I had the honour of captaining the team during the tournament, and we were able to lift the trophy. This achievement paved the way for my inclusion in the U20 national team. I received my first call-up to the U20 national team in 2023 for the World Cup qualifying matches against Burundi.
Other tournaments you played in?
I participated in the COSAFA U17 Women’s Championship, a regional tournament. Domestically, I competed in the Engen Knockout Tournament and the Pirates Cup. Additionally, I have also played in the regional league, as well as in the Sasol League and the Hollywood Bets Super League since its inception while playing for UJ Ladies 1st team.
How did the ASU move come about?
My journey to Arizona State University began during high school, when I attended Curro Aurora in Sundowner, Randburg. The Head of Sports at my school advised my mother and me to explore a Johannesburg based agency whose role is to assists student-athletes in securing placements at American universities to study and participate in sports abroad. We then commissioned the services of the said agency as recommended by my school and started working with them since 2021 through the assistance of my dedicated success coach who has been a big part of my journey to this day. Through the agency, I was put in contact with multiple coaches across the United States until Arizona State University (ASU) expressed interest in me and offered me the opportunity to join their program. This decision has been one of the best of my life, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity.
What are you studying in Arizona? And how long is the course?
I am pursuing a Business Degree at Arizona State University, with the intention of specializing in Business Law. The program is expected to take approximately four years to complete.
How are you settling in?
Settling in has been a positive experience, as I am surrounded by a supportive team that prioritizes our needs, from the head coach to all staff members who assist us both mentally and physically. Although I am still in the process of adapting to certain aspects, I am grateful for the support and encouragement I have received from those around me.
Having a South African (Adrielle) by your side – how important is that?
I am grateful to have a familiar face with me, as it alleviates feelings of homesickness and makes the journey less lonely and more exciting. Additionally, it reinforces the understanding that we are playing for something greater than ourselves. It has been beneficial that we have been able to navigate challenges together and support one another when needed, owing to the strength and depth of our relationship.
Moving from UJ to Wits – what was the reason and how did you find the level?
I joined Wits University in 2023 and played with their team during the 2024 and 2025 seasons only. Prior to that I participated in the Hollywoodbets Super League in the colours of the UJ Ladies 1st team. Moving to Wits, there is a noticeable difference between the leagues i.e. at the Hollywoodbets Super League the level of competition is higher, as players often possess extensive experience, including national team exposure. The league is more competitive, requiring players to sharpen and master various aspects of their game. In contrast, the Sasol League, which serves as a developmental league and a feeder to Hollywoodbets Super League, features many young players who are still developing their skills. In my opinion, moving to Wits, although not the optimal decision, it allowed me space to focus on my Matric year, and I view this decision as a valuable learning experience and an opportunity for growth, as I remain committed to continuing my development.
ASU has played eight games so far, and you featured in all of them – even starting against UNLV – how was the experience?
The style of play in the United States is markedly different from what I am accustomed to in South Africa. The game features rolling substitutions, and much of the focus is on maintaining peak fitness to perform effectively within short bursts, such as 20-minute intervals. I have thoroughly enjoyed playing here and am grateful for the opportunity, as being part of a large squad has significantly enriched my experience and boosted my confidence. Starting in a match against UNLV was a particularly memorable moment for me as a freshman (newcomer), as it demonstrated the coaches’ trust in my skills and abilities. The game demands quick decision-making and sustained high energy levels, given its fast pace. Although I have learned a great deal so far and recognize there is still a long journey ahead, I cherish every minute I am on the field and strive to perform at my best for the team. This experience continues to challenge and inspire me to grow both as a player and as an individual.
What are your plans and hopes as a footballer and as a student?
My primary goal and the reason I chose Arizona State University was to pave a pathway toward a professional soccer career, whether in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) or with prominent European clubs such as Chelsea or Arsenal, by God’s grace. While some may view these goals as ambitious or aspirational, I firmly believe they are attainable. I am already playing alongside teammates who have trained at such esteemed academies, which reinforces my conviction that ASU can help turn these dreams into reality. Beyond my athletic pursuits, I am equally committed to academic excellence. I am determined to graduate and become a lawyer, with a specialization in contracts for athletes. I deeply value the power of education, a principle my mother consistently emphasizes, and I aspire to build a career that aligns with my passions while also making a positive impact on others’ lives. Furthermore, I harbor entrepreneurial ambitions, aiming to create businesses that complement my professional pursuits and continue to serve as a source of inspiration and support within my community. I am driven by a desire to excel both on and off the field, leveraging my talents and education to make meaningful contributions to society.
What are your national team ambitions? See yourself in Banyana some day?
I aspire to be a part of the Banyana Banyana squad, as it has been a lifelong dream of mine. I am confident that, when the time is right, I will have the opportunity to represent my country at the highest level, whether by making the FIFA Women’s World Cup squad or competing in the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). While I await my turn, I remain dedicated to supporting and cheering for my teammates, celebrating their successes as if they were my own. When given the chance to represent South Africa, I will do so with pride, passion, and unwavering commitment, always striving to honor my country and contribute to its football legacy.
By Matlhomola Morake
